Cloud computing could minimize security threats

Cloud Computing Could Minimize Security Threats

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) is a nonprofit organization that provides a forum for international exchange on issues relating to information technologies and security. The Cyber Committee is a select group of industry leaders and government liaisons that formulates strategies and responds to concerns regarding US national security.
Cloud computing may open up networks to a vast array of security threats. However, the same interconnectedness that allows for potential breaches also can also enhance security. Cloudservers and their operations are highly visible, meaning that they are easy to monitor, and security managers can amass data quickly from linked networks to respond to threats quickly. The linking of these cloud networks also means that various governmental and industry taskforces can share information and coordinate resources to address security issues collaboratively. Finally, the fact thatcloud computing must constantly face security problems suggests that the next generation of information technologists will likely possess security training, creating a more educated workforce that is attuned to such threats and that can fashion a more secure cloud environment.
Security remains the number one obstacle to adoption of cloud computing for businesses and federal agencies. Public cloud solutions are seen as the most vulnerable options from a security perspective, leaving many federal customers to seek private alternatives to overcome security challenges. Regardless of the deployment model selected—private, public, community, or hybrid—conquering security concerns is required for cloud computing to achieve its full potential as the next generation of IT [information technology] architecture. Recent trends in cloud computing demonstrate the architecture has matured and offers distinct advantages for cyber security defense. Lessons learned continue to emerge with three